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Dream is over for Antonov agent – updated

[ February 10, 2020   //   ]

Stansted-based general sales and service agent Dreamlifts says it is no longer representing Antonov Airlines from 1 March. It has been the global agent for the heavylift airline since 2016, but said it had failed to reach an acceptable agreement with the Ukranian carrier. It said the decision affects the UK office based in Stansted, as well as its US office in Houston.

Dreamlifts’ managing director Graham Witton said: “This has been an extremely difficult decision. A number of our staff have been representing Antonov in the worldwide market since the establishment of the airline in 1989.

“Since setting up Dreamlifts in 2016, and subsequently the US office, Antonov Airlines Inc, we have helped strengthen the Antonov Airlines brand globally and have been very proud in doing so. Therefore, this has been an extremely difficult decision to take.

He said ongoing projects would not be affected. Ccustomers have been contacted “and we will ensure that they continue to receive the service they deserve from our team”.

Dreamlifts’ management team would continue to work on future projects, which will be announced in due course, he said, adding: “We would like to thank our customers for their support and trust placed in the Dreamlifts team for the last three years. We also thank Antonov for their partnership and wish them every success in the future.”

In a statement, Antonov Airlines said its team at the Kyiv headquarters “will continue to lead in the global sales and operations of these unique cargo aircraft. Antonov Airlines plans to develop its business using internal sources and inviting international well-known and experienced experts from the outsize and heavyweight cargo industry who worked with Antonov Company for many years to expand its worldwide presence. The details will be communicated later.”

Director of Antonov Airlines Mykhailo Kharchenkoadded: “Management of Dreamlifts decided not to continue the joint work with Antonov Company after expiration of the current GSSA agreement, and they have right to do so. We are very grateful to our Dreamlifts colleagues for their cooperation and support of Antonov Airlines during last three years. We wish them only success in the future. Antonov Airlines will continue to offer its reliable AN-124 airframes with properly extended life time to the market on its own. We look forward to working with the existing and potential customers and can see a successful future going forward with them.”

Commercial Director Andriy Blagovisniy, added: “An experienced team of Ukraine sales professionals will lead the global sales activities for its fleet of AN-124-100s, AN-225, AN-22, AN-26 and AN-74 aircraft. Antonov’s customers will continue to receive high-quality service based on knowledge and deep expertise of the HQ sales team. We expect a seamless transition for our customers.”

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